Google joins U.S. carriers in offering free calls to France following terror attack in Nice

France was rocked by yet another senseless tragedy earlier tonight when a lorry ploughed into crowds watching a fireworks display as part of Bastille Day celebrations in Nice. The terrorist incident has left at least 80 people dead, and dozens injured. U.S. carriers are offering free calls and texts to connect with family and friends in France, and Google is joining in by providing free Hangouts, Google Voice and Project Fi calls to the country following the aftermath of the attack.

To help people stay informed and connected with their loved ones, we're making calls to France from Hangouts, Google Voice and Project Fi, free — from anywhere in the world those services are supported.

T-Mobile is allowing free calls and texts to France for its customers through July 17:

Our hearts are with all those affected by the horrible attack in Nice. To help our customers connect with loved ones in the area, T-Mobile is making it free to call and text from the United States to Nice, France. T-Mobile will also waive roaming fees on calls and texts for customers in that area.

The offer applies to all T-Mobile Simple Choice postpaid and prepaid customers, as well as customers of MetroPCS, GoSmart Mobile, and WalMart Family Mobile. It is effective from Thursday, July 14 through Sunday, July 17. Customers will see regular charges on their bills with corresponding credits.

Verizon is offering free calls and texts to the country through July 16:

More than 170,000 Verizon employees worldwide extend condolences to all our friends and family in France. In this time of uncertainty, we want to support our customers affected by the horrific attack in Nice, France today, so Verizon is offering free wireless and wireline calling from the U.S. to France to connect with family and friends.

Wireless users will incur no charges for texts or international long distance calls originating from the U.S. to France on July 14 through 16, 2016 (applicable taxes and surcharges will apply).
Home wireline telephone customers can make free calls to France from their U.S. landlines on July 14 through 16, 2016, (applicable taxes and surcharges will apply).

Sprint is similarly waiving off charges for calls and text to and from France through July 17:

Effective July 14 through July 17, 2016, Sprint is waiving charges for international calls and SMS to France for all Sprint, Boost and Virgin Mobile customers and international roaming for call and SMS charges while in France for all Sprint customers following the tragic events in Nice.

"We are deeply saddened by the reports from Nice and send our thoughts and prayers to the people of France and all those affected by tonight's tragic events," said Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure. "We want to do everything we can to help our Sprint, Boost Mobile, and Virgin Mobile customers stay connected with family and friends in the region."

AT&T is also offering free calls and texts between the U.S. and France until July 17:

Our thoughts are with the people of France and our customers who have friends and family there.

AT&T will waive or credit charges incurred for calls placed by AT&T's customers from the United States to France between July 14 to July 17 in the local time zone. This includes landline, texting, and mobility (Postpaid and GoPhone) calls.

Follow all the updates from the attack here. If you've got any family and friends in the region, follow this Reddit thread for emergency contact information for the area.